Should I Repair or Replace My Water Heater?
Repair it if the tank is younger than about eight years and the fault is a part such as a thermostat, element, thermocouple or valve. Replace it if the tank itself leaks, it's past about ten to twelve years, or it's badly scaled. Check first whether it's rented.
Request a plumberIs it rented?
Look for a rental sticker on the tank or a monthly charge on your bill. If it's rented, contact the rental company first; repairs are usually theirs to do.
How old is it?
Check the serial number on the rating label. Many brands code the year in the first digits.
What faults are worth repairing?
Thermostats, heating elements, thermocouples, gas valves, relief valves and drain valves can all be replaced on a sound tank.
When is replacement the answer?
Water leaking from the tank itself, heavy rust in the hot water, or a tank so full of scale that it rumbles constantly and heats slowly.
What about scale?
Hard water shortens tank life. If you replace, consider a softener or a regular flushing routine for the new heater. See hard water and scale.
What will the plumber check?
Size, fuel, venting, gas supply, the relief valve and whether an expansion tank is needed. Gas work requires a TSSA-registered contractor. See water heaters.
What size do I need?
Think about how many people live in the house and how many showers run at once in the morning. Student houses and larger families may need a bigger tank or a tankless unit than the one that came with the house.
Can I keep using a leaking tank?
Not for long. Shut off the water and power or gas to it, drain it if you can and send a request before the leak gets worse.
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